Edible Flower Foraging Guide (Great for Pressed Flower Cake Designs!)
Pressed flower cakes have been very popular for us in recent years and finding and pressing seasonal flowers has become a rewarding part of the warmer months here in Michigan.
Photos by Ally Frances,
Cake by Sweet Heather Anne
Sarah, our resident edible flower expert, created a great guide for the edible flowers we forage and purchase from local farms throughout the growing season. Here's a quick look at some of our favorites by season:
Favorite Edible Flowers by Season
SPRING BLOOMS
Eastern Red Bud
Forsythia
Wild Violets
Lilac
Pansies
Purple Dead Needle
SUMMER BLOOMS
Scarlet Bee Balm
Bee Balm/Wild Bergamot
Fuchia
Bachelor Button
Chelsea Dianthus
Marigolds, Gem Marigolds
Calendula
Nasturtium
Zinnia
Lavender
Veronica/Speedwell
Feverfew
FALL BLOOMS
Marigolds
Calendula
Chrysanthemum
Blackeye Susan
Zinnia
GREENERY
Rosemary
Marigold Greens
Common Rue
Salad Burnette
Dill
Parsley
Pea Shoots
Strawberry Leaves/Stems
Mint (All Varieties)
Lemon Verbena
Cleavers
Thyme
Yarrow
SOURCING FOR PROFESSIONAL USE
An alternative to picking your own flowers and greens is sourcing them from a local farm. Malorie from Honeybaby Florals is one of our favorite florists to work with as she specializes in edible blooms. She even sells already pressed flowers if you want to get right into decorating.
Our friends at Thistle and Bess just started stocking the cutest flower presses, too! We use larger presses to handle the volume at our cake studio but these would be a great way to dip your toes into the art of preserving edible flowers.
FORAGING SAFELY
While foraging offers wonderful creative possibilities, always prioritize food safety. Avoid collecting flowers near roadsides, treated lawns, or areas where contamination is possible. Always verify that flowers are truly edible and non-toxic before use, and wash thoroughly before pressing or applying to cakes. When in doubt, sourcing from trusted local farms ensures both safety and consistent quality for your clients.
Creative Inspiration Through Foraging
Beyond the practical applications, there's something deeply inspiring about connecting with the seasons through foraging. Taking time to explore, discover new varieties, and experiment with different pressing techniques feeds our creativity in unexpected ways. These moments of exploration often spark breakthrough ideas that find their way into client work, proving that investing in creative exploration pays dividends in both artistry and business.
GET THE GUIDE
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